PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: March 25,

2026 Website: https://step44.com

Contact: contact@step44.com

At Step44, your privacy is something we take seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit step44.com. By using our website, you agree to the practices described below.

Who We Are

Step44 is a food and baking blog based in New York, United States, focused on sharing pastry recipes, dessert guides, and baking inspiration. If you have any questions about this policy, you can reach us at contact@step44.com.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We do not require you to create an account or submit personal details to browse Step44. However, personal information may be collected in the following cases:

  • When you contact us via email (contact@step44.com), we receive your email address and any details you include in your message.
  • If you leave a comment on a blog post, we collect your name, email address, and the content of your comment.
  • If you subscribe to our newsletter (if available), we collect your email address.

Non Personal Information

When you visit Step44, certain non-personal information is collected automatically, including:

  • Your IP address and general geographic location
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs
  • Operating system

This data is used solely to understand how our audience interacts with the site and to improve user experience.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Step44 uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your browser. We use the following types of cookies:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly.
  • Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics to understand visitor behavior and improve our content.
  • Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to display relevant advertisements.
  • Affiliate Cookies: Set when you click on affiliate links (such as Amazon) to track referral commissions.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings at any time. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

Third-Party Services

Google Analytics We use Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior. Google Analytics may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This data is anonymized and used only for analytical purposes. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

Google AdSense We display advertisements through Google AdSense. Google and its partners use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s Ad Settings at adssettings.google.com.

Amazon Associates Step44 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. When you click on Amazon affiliate links, Amazon may set cookies to track purchases. Please refer to Amazon’s Privacy Notice at amazon.com/privacy for details.

Pinterest, Facebook, and X (Twitter) We maintain pages on Pinterest, Facebook, and X (Twitter). If you interact with our social media content, those platforms may collect data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used to:

  • Improve the content, structure, and performance of Step44
  • Respond to inquiries and comments
  • Monitor website traffic and user engagement
  • Serve relevant advertisements through Google AdSense
  • Track affiliate referrals and commissions
  • Comply with legal obligations

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

  • With service providers (such as Google Analytics or AdSense) who assist in operating the website
  • If required by law, court order, or government authority
  • To protect the rights, safety, or property of Step44 or its users

Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

For Users in the European Union (GDPR):

  • Right to access the personal data we hold about you
  • Right to request correction of inaccurate data
  • Right to request deletion of your data
  • Right to restrict or object to processing
  • Right to data portability

For California Residents (CCPA):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected and how it is used
  • Right to request deletion of personal information
  • Right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at contact@step44.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy. Comments on blog posts may be retained indefinitely unless you request deletion. Analytics data is retained according to Google’s standard retention settings.

Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to take steps to protect your personal information when browsing online.

Children’s Privacy

Step44 is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a child has provided personal information through our website, please contact us immediately at contact@step44.com.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.